Roots & Wings: Stories of Survival and Soaring

This 2-part workshop series meets twice- March 5 &19, 2026, hosted in the new Kalamazoo Poetry Festival space at the Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition in downtown Kalamazoo. Sessions run 6pm–7:30pm.

*PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP IF YOU CANNOT MAKE BOTH SESSIONS.

March 5, 2026 at 6pm, doors at 5:30pm

March 19, 2026 at 6pm, doors at 5:30pm

This workshop blends painting and poetry to explore the theme of 'Beyond Resilience.' Participants will reflect on their personal journeys, creating poems that capture their 'roots' (sources of grounding and strength) and their 'wings' (aspirations and thriving futures). Through guided writing prompts and painting, each person will design a split-canvas artwork that visually represents both resilience and growth beyond it. The session closes with an optional share-circle where participants can read excerpts of their poems or describe their artwork, fostering community connection and collective inspiration. By the end, participants will leave with both a written and visual representation of their journey from survival toward soaring.

Bio:

Erica Smith is a creative wellness practitioner and founder of Fortunate Fourth Creations & Media, where art meets healing. She empowers communities through therapeutic art, storytelling, and transformative art experiences.

Headshot Photo Credit:

Hananiah Harden, Black Magic Media

Social Media (with space for clickable links):

• Facebook: Fortunate Fourth Creations — https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560172731523
• Instagram: @fortunatefourthcreations — https://www.instagram.com/fortunatefourthcreations/
• TikTok: @fortunatefourthcreations — https://www.tiktok.com/@fortunatefourthcreations
• LinkedIn: Erica Smith — https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-smith-67038a362/

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Host or Publisher Kalamazoo Poetry Festival